standing on....

It's been a while! Not even for sure if anyone still reads, but that's OK- getting words out into the great wide open does the mind good! When decisions are made and reality settles in remorse is also soon to creep in. The last couple of weeks have been tough, a mind full of wondering can leave you confused. So how, how do we deal? We find what it is that we are standing on. If we/ I can find something that keeps us focused, driven, and ready then doubt has no place.

"I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, NOT abandon you, plans to give you the future you hoped for."
Jeremiah 29: 10-11 MSG

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 NIV


These scriptures are my block of choice to stand on.
If you understand the love God has for us then you can remind yourself:
Hey, Jessica, He knows where you are and where you need to go.
FAITH. TRUST. AND A LITTLE BIT OF PIXIE DUST

...it doesn't hurt to travel the path with some spec shoes!!!!

xo Jessica

Studs & Stilettos

Studs and Stilettos are by far two of my favorite things. If I'm honest you must know in the summer months I prefer a barefoot, but when fall roles around and a slight chill, the stilettos are a MUST! Its amazing to see this shoe transform in so many ways. I remember as a small little girl playing dress up I thought the day would never come when these fabulous shoes would actually fit (even know I'm a full 6 1/2). The transformations are endless and change within mere seasons. This style however, is my favorite yet. Its a classic point but with such a modern flare. Colors, fabrics, and cuts are so individual, very fun..and I must say my shoe budget might need an increase.
In terms of studs, well, I've always rocked a more gaudy approach. This season and these styles I feel that might be changing. Studs are no longer the 6 week dread of freshly pierced ears. I love a simple statement and studs seem to do that little trick every time.

Where are you finding yourself? In studs and stilettos?

xo Jessica

K.I.S.S

K.I.S.S.
Keeping it Simply Stupid

As the years quickly pass by I believe a sense of maturity settles and you open your eyes to life and what it holds for you. As the shop matures, the kids continue to grow, and I see in a new light, the K.I.S.S plan becomes more of a goal then an acronym. Dress can be so much fun and salts love true gaud, but there is something to be said for a woman who dances in a neutral silhouette. It screams confidence and security. I challenge you to be comfortable in even the simplest outfit and know that beauty comes from within.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,...Rather it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
1 Peter 3:1-8

xo Jessica

Its the Dig.

Its definitely a must have for this salt! What? The Bar Necklace! Its so chic, a simply piece that speaks volumes. I've been on the look out for quite some time trying to find the perfect one for the shop. I haven't had much luck (yet) but after browsing this months Bazaar..I'm sure they will be hitting the market in no time. Our pinterest board has a few of our favorites, do you have a bar? Stay tuned, the Slough is sure to find a perfect match!!

xo Jessica

Incentives

Small business requires big plans, promotions and constant production of new ideas. After browsing around and brainstorming The Slough is going to start a $10 and Under table. Salts love to accessorize, and on the beach  it is the most convenient way to be savvy. Looking wasn't too hard as accessories are the most fun! Bows, lace and Bohemian pulled together the look board and goods have been ordered. What's coming? Y'all will just have to wait and see!
Aren't you excited? oh, and its the weekend. Happy Weekend!!

xo Jessica

active

I think its safe to say that this is about as close as I have gotten to active gear this salty summer. The shorts are all together so precious and an easy grab for a quick day of errands. Any ol tank will do but aren't these two great? Sneakers and shorts make me nausea if your not running but paired with these little kicks..nailed it!
Activity is so important and should be a must on all of our lists!
Remember what Paul said...
"So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep is under control,"
(1 CORINTHIANS 9:26-27 EVS)

I will encourage you as I do myself to keep pressing on, fighting, finding a healthy balance in mind, body and soul. Discipline can be a beautiful thing.

xo Jessica

Warrior in a ...

OBSESSION. check them out here.
Certainly got my eye peeled for a pair of these, its madness!

xo Jessica

Join us!

Every Tuesday Hatteras Island hosts a local farmers market. Its been an awesome addition to the Island and I am over the top thrilled to be a participant. Fresh Cuts are an amazing work of God's Creation that can literally be enjoyed by all. The Slough has some newbies in transit and excitingly enough, we are getting FLORAL trouser pants. Its a #majormoment, and paired with a basic tank makes it an effortless outfit for so many occasions. Do you do floral? How about a baggy trouser? Its all the rage! Come join us if your on the Island!!

xo Jessica

Salt made

A per usual salt isn't a gal who puts on her face for the beach, but quickly after, product needs to be applied. Today was the Slough's first run at the local farmers market spreading joy via flowers. The weather was remarkable and the sun was hot. Afterwards I had no choice but to take a quick dip in the sea. I had about 20 min on my hands before I was due back at the shop, so what to do? I packed a quick bag and jumped in head first. What did I pack? A maxi, a cami, strappy sandals and a makeup bag.

Here are a few of a salty girls must haves
1. Laura Mericer, its number one on the list for a reason
2. Bobbi Brown Brick, I'm on my second and so obsessed
3. Nars, a cheeky color in coral gives the sun a little added attention
4. Urban hit it just right with this pallet, day or nite its a sure thing
5. Slap of coral shine for the lips (Mac offers the best consistency)
6. Maybeline for a strong lash

And there you have it! Whats in your makeup bag for post beach?

Ps Salt cures

xo Jessica

What was that?

Fashion is so humorous in that it continues to repeat itself. My elementary years were full of rainbow tie dye EVERYTHING, and guess what? Its back! I loved it then and am digging it now. The pattern is available in every color, shape, material, and budget. A fan of Neimans or American Eagle you are certain to find tie dye. Although it is on super trend do be cautious on how you wear this repeat love.
1. Never mix tie dye prints.
2.Tie Dye is not meant for a fashionable pattern mix either.
3. Keep accessories simple and let that psychedelic vibe radiate.
4. My favorite combo for summer is either a simple cutout tie dye dress or a loose tank died with white skinnies.
5. Oh, and a headband is almost always necessary!

Now you know my preference, whats yours? Are you wearing tie dye once again?

xo Jessica

Needing a little retail therapy.

If you follow us on facebook then you have seen that we certainly offer retail therapy for most. But for myself, honestly, Ive got my eye on these:

1. J Crew always has the BEST go to throw on T- literally goes with everything.

2. Loren Hope is someone I admire so much, love her jewelry and really want a piece. Her earrings I adore but I have a thing with heavy earrings- so the bracelet it is!

 (oh, and its ALL MADE IN THE USA)

3. Sole Society has grabbed this salts attention. They are beyond affordable and are oh so trendy. I want something strappy but its a style I normally steer clear from,

 so I want something budget friendly

4. Lastly, yep! its back to the high waist love obsession. What better way to rock the

trend then with jean?

What do you have your eye on? You do know we have knuckle rings!!

xo Jessica

 

Give

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"
Matthew 6:34 NIV

Just in Case.

The Island has been forecasting some pretty nasty weather for the weekend. Clearly, its only a hazard if you allow it. Whether on Vacation or a resident, style is of the essence.
What are the 5 must haves for that rainy day?
1. Burberry- This trench coat reached the want list in my college days and has yet to be fulfilled. Its ageless.
2. Umbrella's aren't completely practical in 30 mph wind but it is oh so stylish
3. Rain Flats! How perfect? The Island is packed with humidity, its just too hot for boots, what a perfect alternative.
4. Fresh flowers give the ultimate R&R feel to any atmosphere
5. A great cookbook can do wonders to empty time. Locked in the house for a day or so? Become Giada for a day.

What is your forecast? Do you have your essentials for a mucky weekend?
xo Jessica

leather for summer?

 Who would have thought? Leather for summer! This Winter and Early Spring it was exciting to watch this trend unfold. Leather leggings were my jam and its awesome to see that they have translated to shorts. What once thought to be a constricted fashion is now a basic staple.

 Do you do leather for Summer? Stumped? We have the most darling scallop edge fauxs here @ The Slough!! Paired with something simple like a white T or dressed up with peplum- either or makes for the perfect fit.

xo
Jessica

Always looking forward.

Salts are strong believers in living in the now but its always important to know what you want and the direction to go to ensure the life you always dreamed. This week marks a big milestone in the career I have been building. From the age of 18 I knew fashion was my avenue and a boutique was my dream. Inspiration boards have always been a necessity to keep me focused towards the next step. Summer has arrived, lace up heels are in, and high waisted anything is a must!!

Are you moving towards your dream? Its ok to start today!
Thank you for all your support and loyalty to The Slough Boutique and The Salty Girls Guide!!
Whats next? Time will only tell.

Small peice of advice:

This is what the Lord says-
your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel
"I am the Lord your God,
Who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go"
Isaiah 48:17

xo
Jessica

I prefer the Bright Side!

Salts love a good pair of shades, remember? (here). This season we have decided to carry some funky eyewear at the Slough.  Fashion forward finds make me ecstatic to whats in transit. During Market the salts were on a mission to find fun sunnies that were affordable to all shoppers. We found success!! The glasses above were mere inspiration for what was found. Keep on your toes, these glasses will for sure run to the salt, retailing around $22- $25 its a sure steal!!

Do you have your sunnies for the summer? Check us out!! They will be here late next week #majormoment.

xo
Jessica

Tail-spun for Tunics.

Tis the Season for Tunics!! The salts arent sure if we will ever have summer, but there is the hope of warm weather. The Slough has been invited to participate in a vendor day at a local Yacht Club so I am scouting for different styles and tunics to love.Honestly, I am the one who runs to the beach in the husbands stained t and cutoffs (smelling of PB+J), but this summer Im gearing towards a different approach. Im not for sure if its all women or just mom's, or maybe just me- but I make excuses for my dress, but no longer, nothing gives the esteem a little boost like great clothes.  How about you? Are you digging tunics?

xo Jessica

florally obsessed.

This week has been absolutely crazy. The girls are wrapping up the season with recitals and what not, my mamma's birthday (we went here) and its MOTHER'S DAY week!! I thought it only necessary to talk flowers today. The shop is decorated to no end with fresh flowers and floral print. A salty covet is the outfit above. Styled simple, you cant go wrong. Normally I go for mixed prints, statement flats, and massive earrings. This style however should be attune. A pale floral paired with black flats grounds the outfit, chambray states sophistication without effort, and this Dooney & Burke is one of my fav's right now!!

How do you prefer floral? Are you loving it?

xo Jessica

Bravery

As a Salt, a Woman, a Mother, and a Business Owner bravery is something needed to face just the everyday. In contact with so many women on a daily basis its no shock I don't stand alone. In pressing times we need to be BRAVE, we need to be relentless and persevere. So here is what I'm thinking...

 

1. The Crop- go ahead bare it. We are so hard on ourselves as women, I feel like we miss out on some really great things due to negative body image.

2. A printed maxi skirt gives that freedom of a pant with the sophistication of a skirt. Who doesn't want to be that "girl" for a day?

3. Love- its what makes us do what we do! And every warrior needs a little armor.

4. A bright shoe is a reminder that there is some major ground to cover, having said that- make a statement.

5. Pick up your bow and arrow, a PB-J and hit that day with a peace of mind, knowing I Will Survive!

 

 

xo

Jessica

"Oh Jeanie!"

Oh Jeanie!! Salts love a jean, and our newest arrival is an engagement worth the commitment. These are a medium wash perfect for any season or style. The straight leg gives the option of a heal, flat, or the oh so popular roll up. This particular style has a medium rise- yep! Say good bye to the muffin top or a plummeting backside. If your not quite sold one thing that should never be underestimated with Paige is its soft pliable material, truly the uppermost quality. What are your thoughts? Have you tried Paige?

(The jeans retail for $179 and are available through paypal, just click on the outfit of the week button)

xo Jessica